Zimbabwe Rejects Lithium Export Ban Delay to Protect Beneficiation Goals: Mining Minister
Zimbabwe Rejects Lithium Export Ban Delay to Protect Beneficiation Goals: Mining Minister
Zimbabwe is progressively tightening mineral controls to ensure only lithium sulphate and higher-value products are exported.
Following a 2022 ban on unprocessed ore, the government suspended lithium concentrate exports in February, setting a firm deadline of January 2027 to promote local processing and curb smuggling.
During a visit to the Arcadia Technology facility, Mining Minister Polite Kambamura rejected appeals to delay this deadline. Citing the ample 18-month notice, he called the suspension a firm "reminder" of the state's objectives.
Aligning with this beneficiation agenda, Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe is now investing $400 million in Africa's first lithium sulphate plant, with Kambamura urging other companies to follow suit.
According to data from the Zimbabwe Lithium Association, the country is projected to reach an annual 344,000 tonnes by 2030.
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